20 min to Shirakawago, Takayama Access, B&B Essai

Experience nature and laid-back village life at this tranquil hideaway in Gokayama, about a 20-minute drive from Shirakawa-go. It offers a peaceful base for exploring the region’s historic villages. Enjoy a simple plant-based breakfast featuring homemade natural-yeast bread and freshly brewed organic coffee, fruits. The entire house is reserved exclusively for one group per night, ensuring a quiet and private stay. A quiet place to slow down and experience the gentle rhythm of village life. The space The Essai building was completed in 1989 and served as a village hall for the area for many years. In 2025, the house was renovated and reborn as a lodging facility. The spacious 92m2 accommodation area with high ceilings is located on the first floor, up a flight of stairs (there is no elevator). Essai offers exclusive access to all facilities. Open the shoji screens of this building, formerly a community center, and enjoy a full view of the courtyard. The sight overlooking the courtyard will surely soothe your heart. The bedroom is a Japanese-style room with tatami mats. Please rest on the futon we'll lay out for you (for 2 people). Just before the bedroom lies a spacious wooden-floored hall. Please try lying down on the floor and feeling the warmth of the wood beneath you. Gazing up at the sturdy wooden ceiling beams and letting your mind unwind is also quite enjoyable. There are two sofa beds. The bathroom features a shower stall, toilet, wash basin and washing machine. When you miss a bathtub, please visit nearby Kuroba Onsen or hot springs at Goka-san-so. Breakfast will be prepared and placed in the stairwell by 8:00. Please toast the bread yourself in the toaster and enjoy it warm. The menu includes... Homemade bread(*) baked from yeast cultivated by the owner, homemade soy milk yogurt, fruit, hojicha tea and hand -brewed organic coffee. Please let us know at least 48 hours before breakfast if you have any dietary restrictions. *In case the yeast is not performing well, we may serve bread from our favorite bakery. 5 min to Suganuma 15 min to Ainokura 20 min to Shirakawa-go 60 min to Hida Takayama Guest access You may use all areas except areas marked “STAFF ONLY.” If you wish to use the kitchen, please let us know in advance. Other things to note - Where to eat Dining options nearby are quite limited, and there’s only a small grocery shop within walking distance. It takes about 20 minutes by car to reach a supermarket or a convenience store. Why not pick up some local produce on your way here at rest areas with a market that sells fresh produce and regional goods? Once you arrive, you can whip up a simple dish in the kitchen and enjoy local flavors. - Everyday tools only Please note that only items for general daily use are permitted. Shooting, skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering and related equipment must not be brought into the house. Shooting, parties and gatherings exceeding the number of people booked are not allowed. Essai preserves as much as possible the character of the building, which was once a local community center. It features many glass windows, with shoji screens for privacy. There are no blackout curtains, so please wake up with the sun, especially in the morning. And in the afternoon, take a leisurely nap. Should you tear or soil the shoji screens or fusuma sliding doors, you will be required to cover the cost of their replacement. Please note that there are some noises and insects that are unique to this area, as detailed below. If these bother you, please refrain from staying at Essai. - Since rice and vegetables are grown in the neighborhood, you may hear the motor sounds of farm equipment like tractors and mowers depending on the season. We will notify you in advance whenever possible, but please understand that this depends on the weather and neighbors engage in farming. - Depending on the season and day, you can hear the loud chorus of frogs and of insects. In spring and autumn, there are times when insects (stink bugs) become more numerous. - The grand floor of the building is a parking lot, so you may hear the noise of cars of the neighbors coming and going. - When nearby dams release water, sirens and announcements will be made. - Across the Shō River lies a cement plant, and depending on wind direction, the noise of aggregate processing (gravel and sand) may be heard. - Since it's right off National Route 156, you can hear the noise of passing cars and motorcycles. Registration Details Hotels and Inns Business Act | 富山県砺波厚生センター | 第２５０号